Coleus Care Guide
Plectranthus scutellarioides
Quick Answer
Coleus needs watering every 1–3 days (outdoors) / weekly indoors in summer and every 1–2 weeks in winter. It thrives in bright indirect to direct and temperatures of 60–85°F. Difficulty: Easy. ✅ Non-toxic to pets.
⭐Difficulty
Easy
☀️Light
Bright indirect to direct
💧Watering
Every 1–3 days (outdoors) / weekly indoors
🌫️Humidity
Medium (40–60%)
🌡️Temperature
60–85°F
📈Growth Rate
Fast
Toxicity
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Watering
Summer
Every 1–3 days (outdoors) / weekly indoors
Winter
Every 1–2 weeks
Method: Keep evenly moist; avoid drought
Light Requirements
Bright indirect to direct
Color most vivid in bright indirect. Can handle some direct.
Soil & Potting
Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix
Pot: Any pot with drainage
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 60–85°F (16–29°C)
Humidity: Medium (40–60%)
Fertilizing
Frequency: Monthly spring/summer
Type: Balanced fertilizer, half strength
Common Problems
Fading color → Insufficient light. Move to brighter spot.
Wilting → Underwatering. Water immediately.
Bolting (flowering) → Pinch off spikes. Flowering reduces leaf quality.
Leggy stems → Pinch back regularly to maintain bushy shape.
Propagation
Stem cuttings in water (very easy)
Seasonal Care Calendar
🌸 Spring
Take cuttings to start new plants. Resume fertilizing. Bright indirect light.
☀️ Summer
Fast and vigorous growth. Pinch constantly. Color is most vivid in summer.
🍂 Fall
Pinch off all flower spikes. Take cuttings before first frost.
❄️ Winter
Often grown as annual — take cuttings to overwinter indoors under grow light.